Looking to show off your sewing skills, but don’t want to take on a huge time commitment? Sew up one of these easy weekend sewing projects.

Want to use your sewing machine for something else besides collecting dust, but don’t have time to start a labor intensive project. Turn to “Sunday Sews,” (Chronicle Books, 2016) a new book by Theresa Gonzalez, with photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat and discover quick sewing weekend sewing projects you can finish by Sunday evening.

“Sunday Sews” includes 20 different designs that can be sewn during the weekend and that are fun, functional, and chic. The sewing projects run the gamut from drapey shift dresses, flattering tunics, tops perfect for layering, aprons, practical tote bags, and projects that are just perfect for homemade gift-giving.

The book features step-by-step directions with technical illustrations to make sewing a breeze. The instructions are super clear, with many of the sewing projects offering fabric, color, and print suggestions, as well as optional details to add a little bit more style if you have the time. Downloadable patterns are also available to go along with those projects that call for patterns. The gorgeous finished project photographs will inspire you to take on one of these easy weekend sewing projects. And if you are somewhat of a beginner to sewing, or need a quick refresher on the basics, the book starts of with a section on basic sewing techniques before diving into the sewing projects.

This is one tutorial book that you will find yourself working your way through to complete all the projects, but one of our favorites is for an on the go “Errands Bag.” Whether you plan on using it at the farmers market, as an overnight bag, or as a work bag, this everyday tote style bag is designed with plenty of space for your stuff. The design features a magnetic snap on the oversized patch pocket, which makes it an extra roomy tote.

Sew this bag up using the instructions below and make sure to get the book to try out the other weekend sewing projects.

Sew Up This Easy Errands Bag

MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Pattern Pieces: Errands Bag, pieces 1–3
• Notions: 2 yd/1.8 m leather strapping (1 in/2.5 cm wide)
• 8 rivets (⅜ in/1 cm diameter)
• 1 magnetic snap closure (¾ in/2 cm diameter)
• Coordinating thread
• Fabric and Yardage: 1 yd/1 m medium- to heavyweight cotton (54 in/135 cm wide) fabric for exterior
• 1 yd/1 m medium-weight cotton (45 in/115 cm wide) fabric for lining
• Sizing: Bag measures 17 by 19 in/43 by 48 cm

NOTES

• All seam allowances are 1 in/2.5 cm, unless otherwise stated.
• Fabric used features an 8-in/20-cm-wide stripe print.

PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

Download, print, and assemble the Errands Bag pattern from www.chroniclebooks .com/sundaysews. Cut out all three pattern pieces.

1.Cut the bag exterior

• With Right sides together, fold fabric in half with selvages lined up; press.
• Pin pattern piece 1 (front and back) on Wrong side of fabric, according to Cutting Layout: Errands Bag.
• Cut fabric along the pattern outlines.
• Unfold remaining fabric (single layer) and pin pattern pieces 2 (pocket) and 3 (pocket flap), according to Cutting Layout: Errands Bag.
• Cut fabric along the pattern outlines.
• Transfer all markings to Wrong side of fabric.

2. Cut the lining

• Repeat steps 1a–1c with lining fabric.
• Unfold remaining fabric (single layer) and pin pattern piece 3 (pocket flap), according to Cutting Layout: Lining.
• Cut fabric along the pattern outlines.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS

3. Sew the pocket

• With the snap shut, center and align the pocket flap about 4 in/10 cm above pocket, pin in place, and topstitch ¼ in/5 mm from top folded edge (see Figure 1).
• Working through the flap’s top opening and using manufacturer’s directions, center and install magnetic snap top, ½ in/1.25 cm from lower edge seam, through the lining fabric only. Make sure that the snap is facing out on Right side of lining fabric, to align with snap piece on pocket.
• Topstitch along the three sewn edges of the pocket flap ¼ in/ 5 mm from edge.
• Fold and press the open raw edge of the pocket flap and pocket flap lining 1 in/2.5 cm to Wrong side and press.
• With Right sides together, align all edges of the pocket flap with flap lining; starting at one corner stitch flap pieces together along one short side, along one long side, and up the opposite short side, leaving one long side open. Trim excess fabric from sewn corners, then turn flap Right side out. With a turning tool, gently push out the corners and press all seams flat.
• Topstitch pocket sides to piece, ¼ in/5 mm from double-folded edges.
• Center and align bottom edge of pocket with bottom edge of front with both Right sides facing up.
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions, center and install magnetic snap bottom as marked on pocket piece.
• Double-fold hem to the top edge of the pocket.
• Double-fold hem to the pocket sides to the Wrong side and press.

4. Sew the lining

• With Right sides together, align front and back pieces of lining along all edges; stitch together along both sides and lower edge.
• Cut off excess seam allowance at the two lower corners.
• Fold over and press the top edge of the lining 1 in/2.5 cm to Wrong side and stitch ½ in/1.25 cm from fold. Set aside.

5. Sew the bag

• With Right sides together, align front and back pieces of bag along all edges, then stitch together along both sides and lower edge.
• Cut off excess fabric at the two lower corners. Turn bag Right side out, use point turner to push out corners, and press all seams flat.
• Fold top of bag over 1 in/2.5 cm to Wrong side and press. Then stitch ½ in/1.25 cm from fold.
• Insert lining into bag, with Wrong sides together, and align both top edges with side seams matching. Fold both top edges together 1 in/ 2.5 cm to Wrong side. Press and pin.

6. Cut and attach the straps

• Cut two 33-in/84-cm lengths from leather strapping.
• Measure and mark 4½ in/11.5 cm toward center from each side seam, along top edge of bag on front and back using pins or water-soluble marker.
• With Right sides together, align the end of one strap with top edge of exterior bag, placing the strap just inside mark made in step 6b. Pin in place. Repeat with the opposite end of the strap (see Figure 2). Do the same thing with the second strap on the other side of the bag.
• Stitch around top folded edge of bag, ¼ in/5 mm from fold, catching bag strap ends in this stitching. Then stitch-in-the-ditch (or, into the seam), through all layers, along side seams 1 in/2.5 cm down from top edge.
• With Right sides together, and the strap flat along bag, stitch across strap 1½ in/4 cm from top edge. Repeat at each strap join (see Figure 2).
• Fold straps over at the bottom stitching, so that Right side of strap is now facing out.
• Using your awl and a hammer, center and install two rivets on each strap end, making sure that the more decorative side of the rivet is on the Right side. Rivets should go all the way through to the bag interior.

Related on EcoSalon

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Learn How to Make Your Own Clothes and Never Have Nothing to Wear Again!

Images and project used with permission from “Sunday Sews” by Theresa Gonzalez, photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat (Chronicle Books, 2016).

The post Get Inspired with Easy Weekend Sewing Projects appeared first on EcoSalon.

Create a customized wardrobe by learning how to make your own clothes.

Whether from necessity or creativity, learning how to make your own clothes is a pretty cool alternative to buying clothes off the rack. Sure, there is a learning curve, but once you get over that hump, there’s a world of possibilities.

Some of us were lucky enough to learn how to sew from our moms or grandmothers. But even if not, that’s no matter, because today (in addition to adorable grandmothers), we have the Internet. Yes, grandma has been replaced–or at least in the world of crafting and DIY she has. It really is possible to find how-to videos, tutorials, and patterns for just about every kind of craft and DIY pastime out there. While you’re not going straight from having no sewing ability to competing in “Project Runway,” it is possible to develop your sewing ability and learn how to make your own clothes. And as your grandmother likely said, “Practice makes perfect!”

Whether you are looking to save money, can’t find clothes that fit right, or just have your own ideas, the first step to creating your own wardrobe is to learn the basics.

Learn How to Make Your Own Clothes Tutorials & Patterns

Craftsy – Craftsy offers over 130+ online sewing classes from beginner to advanced. While the classes are not all clothing related, sometimes it can help to start out with something a little more basic if you are a true beginner sewer. There is a fee for most of these classes.

Burda Style – Another great site to learn how to make your own clothes and to discover great patterns. Learn sewing basics and more advanced topics, like pattern-making, via picture or video tutorials, whichever fits your learning style or budget. They even offer a subscription so you can access every tutorial video for just a monthly fee. Plus, some of the patterns are available for free.

Creative Bug – Creative Bug is another subscription-based site that offers arts and crafts video classes in sewing, knitting, and more. Their videos capture the spirit of in-person teaching with instructors who have been featured in Martha Stewart Living, O Magazine, and Vogue.

Professor Pincushion – Professor Pincushion’s goal is to help beginners master the art of sewing via more than 100 sewing-related tutorials that cover everything from sewing basics to fun and original projects. There is both free and paid content.

Sew Mama Sew – Sew Mama Sew is a blog and sewing community founded in 2005. The site collaborates with outstanding bloggers, designers and authors to deliver fun sewing projects everyday. Not all the projects are clothing related, but they are free!

So Sew Easy – Features lots of free clothing patterns for everything from cheeky panties to a little black dress.

Now, this is certainly not an exhaustive list, but hopefully it’s a start to get you inspired to learn how to make your own clothes.

Related on EcoSalon

Sew Creative, Sew Green

5 Fall Fashion Trends to Thrift Right Now

5 Ways to Rock Exotic Tribal Print Patterns in Your Wardrobe and Decor

Woman Sewing image via Shutterstock

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